Joelinton is one of only two players in the Premier League to have over 30 contributions in five separate defensive midfield statistics this season. Along with Declan Rice of West Ham, the Brazilian has been measured to have made upwards of 30 in the following metrics: tackles made, interceptions made, clearances made, take-ons completed, and aerial duels won according to stat site Squawka
Whilst Rice is ahead when it comes to tackles, interceptions and take-ons, but Joelinton pips the England midfielder when it comes to clearances and aerial duels, having completed 43 and 88 respectively. Joelinton's shift to a deeper role coincided with the appointment of Eddie Howe at Newcastle United, who saw that the former Hoffenheim man had the attributes to win midfield battles.
It was Ciaran Clark's sending off against Norwich in November that first prompted Howe to drop Joelinton into midfield, and standout performances after that, against Manchester United and Brentford, have earned the number 7 cult hero status. Despite only boasting two goals so far this season, the revitalised midfielder has shown his ability in different areas for Newcastle this season, as those stats highlight, and he has been a key man in the Magpies' charge up the Premier League table to near safety.
READ MORE: Joelinton admits he questioned decision to sign for Newcastle
In a recent interview with the Club's official programme and website, Joelinton commented: "I like playing in midfield. You participate a lot in the game. You have to defend, you have to attack, and I like having the ball so it's helped my game. I want to develop and evolve further in the position."
When asked about the supporters' new-found love for him, he said that: "It's nice, but I think it's more important for my family, who lived through the difficult times. And for them, it's a source of great happiness.
"It's more important for those people alongside me. It's good that the press are saying nice things about me, the fans are saying nice things about me. That's great. But I know what I'm capable of. I think that's more important for people around me than me personally."
He later added: "I have a lot of dreams still to reach. I want to continue playing well, to establish this consistency, develop my game further and contribute with more goals and assists. I want to be successful here at Newcastle. I want Newcastle to be back competing in the Champions League.
"The Brazilian Sele ção is a goal as well. But to do that, I have to continue working as hard as I have been doing, and I hope to achieve all my dreams."
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